Ready for your ultimate Tennessee adventure? From the honky-tonks of Nashville to the peaks of the Smokies, and the soul of Memphis, this guide highlights the best of the Volunteer State.
Use these curated itineraries to find the top things to do in Tennessee —featuring country music, epic views, legendary BBQ, waterfalls, and historical landmarks to make the most of your best Tennessee vacation.
- Nashville: Music City lives up to the hype—honky-tonks, hot chicken, and live music pouring out of every corner.
- Memphis: Soulful, gritty, and full of flavor—home to Beale Street blues, Elvis’ Graceland, and legendary BBQ.
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park: America’s most visited national park delivers misty peaks, hiking trails, waterfalls, and black bear sightings.
- Gatlinburg: A cozy mountain town and tourist favorite—gateway to the Smokies, packed with cabins, moonshine, and family fun.
- Pigeon Forge: Home of Dollywood, outlet shopping, quirky attractions, and down-home fun nestled in the hills.
- Chattanooga: Hip, scenic, and walkable—ride the Incline Railway, explore riverfront trails, and visit the famous Tennessee Aquarium.
- Knoxville: A college town with Appalachian charm, craft breweries, and easy access to the great outdoors.
- Franklin: A charming historic town just outside Nashville—Civil War history, boutiques, and Southern hospitality.
- Lynchburg: Tiny but iconic—tour the world-famous Jack Daniel’s Distillery and sip a little Tennessee history.
- Johnson City: An outdoorsy hub in Northeast Tennessee with hiking trails, breweries, and a growing arts scene.
- Bristol: Twin cities split by a state line and united by racing and country music roots—home of the Birthplace of Country Music Museum.
- Cookeville: Waterfall country in the heart of the state—great for hiking, craft beer, and low-key weekend escapes.
📅 Tennessee Calendar
- Big Ears Festival (March, Knoxville): Avant-garde music, jazz, film, and experimental art in downtown theaters
- Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival (April, Nashville): Celebrate spring with food, music, and cultural events
- Knoxville Dogwood Arts Festival (April, Knoxville): Celebrate spring with art markets, garden trails, and outdoor concerts
- Knoxville Rossini Festival (April, Knoxville): Opera in the streets, international food, and cultural performances
- Memphis in May International Festival (May, Memphis): Includes Beale Street Music Fest and the World Championship BBQ Contest
- Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival (June, Manchester): One of the nation’s most iconic music festivals
- Thunder Valley Nationals (June, Bristol): High-octane NHRA drag racing at Bristol Dragway
- CMA Fest (June, Nashville, TN): Country music’s biggest stars unite downtown
- Chattanooga Riverbend Festival (June, Chattanooga): Multi-day music fest on the Tennessee River
- Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration (June–August, Pigeon Forge): Fireworks, music, and mountain fun
- Tennessee State Fair (September, Nashville): Carnival rides, livestock, and classic fair food
- Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion (September, Bristol): Three days of live country, bluegrass, and Americana in the twin cities
- National Storytelling Festival (October, Jonesborough): Celebrate the art of storytelling in Tennessee’s oldest town
- Gatlinburg Winter Magic & Lights (November–February, Gatlinburg): Millions of twinkling lights in a snowy mountain town
- Bristol Christmas Parade (December, State Street): Holiday floats straddling the Tennessee–Virginia line